‘Not something I would do’: LNP divided over Cook MP’s controversial Facebook advertisement

Premier David Crisafulli says taxpayer money will not be used to pay for a Far North MP’s defence of an LNP powerbroker who pleaded guilty to punching a woman in the face during a street fight last year.

Member for Cook David Kempton has been asked about a sponsored social media post defending embattled former colleague, Michael Trout. Picture: Arun Singh Mann

Premier David Crisafulli says taxpayer money will not be used to pay for a Far North MP’s defence of an LNP powerbroker who pleaded guilty to punching a woman in the face during a street fight last year.

The LNP failed to answer in Parliament last week whether Member for Cook David Kempton had used public funds to pay for a sponsored Facebook post backing former Member for Barron River, Michael Trout, in August.

Michael Trout at the Cairns Magistrate's Court with his lawyer Bebe Mellick prior to being sentenced for one count of affray for his role in a fight in Holloways Beach in May 2024. Picture: Brendan Radke

Trout pleaded guilty to affray in early October and was sentenced to 60 hours’ community service in relation to a Holloways Beach brawl which started after he struck champion boxer, Leah Reuben Kawane, in the head in May last year.

Facebook data showed that $100 was spent to promote the post, reaching up to 2,000 users, where he vowed to “stick by my mates” and accused the media of trying to “rake muck on the LNP”.

Member for Cook David Kempton's office paid for a Facebook advertisement to be posted defending LNP powerbroker, Michael Trout in August. Picture: Supplied

It is unclear who has paid for the social media advertisement.

Mr Kempton didn’t respond to requests for comment but on Sunday the Premier said that any money the backbencher received through the Electorate and Communication Allowance wouldn’t be used to pay for the post.

Police and Community Safety Minister Dan Purdie has been briefed on Member for Cook David Kempton’s sponsored Facebook post. Picture: Samuel Davis

On Tuesday, Police Minister Dan Purdie said that he was “briefed” on the matter and assured that the public purse had been spared any expense.

Deputy Leader of the Opposition Cameron Dick has criticised the Member for Cook, David Kempton’s use of public funds in the Far North. Picture: Liam Kidston

Deputy Opposition Leader Cameron Dick said the LNP had repeatedly failed to rein in its maverick MP’s spending, including on a $650 helicopter flight from Cairns to Cow Bay to open a health centre in August.

“David Crisafulli said he would treat taxpayer money with respect, but his mate David Kempton clearly didn’t get the memo,” he claimed.

“David Kempton has blown taxpayer money on a chopper ride and has been caught trying to use the public purse to support woman-puncher Michael Trout on social media.

“The reality is it should never have got this far.”

Mr Kempton has previously defended his air travel to the Daintree, arguing that he had confidential meetings before and after the event.

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli says taxpayers won’t pay for Member for Cook David Kempton’s social media post defending former MP, Michael Trout. Picture: Brendan Radke

Mr Crisafulli said he condemned Trout’s actions.

“I called it out forcefully, quickly and I will continue to,” he said.

When asked about the Cook MP’s Facebook post, Ms James told 7 News last week: “You need to talk to David Kempton about it. It’s not something that I would do.”

Originally published as ‘Not something I would do’: LNP divided over Cook MP’s controversial Facebook advertisement